M 2 Si 5 N 8 :Eu 2+ -based (M=Ca, Sr) red-emitting phosphors were fabricated at relatively low temperature (1200°C) and atmospheric pressure using a simple solid-state reaction process. Several processing parameters were systematically investigated to optimize the phosphors structural characterization and photoluminescence performance, including the amount of europium and the properties of the precursor and activated materials. The as-prepared M 2 Si 5 N 8 :Eu 2+ -based (M=Ca, Sr) phosphors were orange in color and emitted intensively in the red region of 580–670nm under 465nm excitation. This simple fabrication technique can be readily used for the optimization of phosphor microstructures and high-performance red-emitting phosphors since it eliminates many air-sensitive precursors.